Air Travel Disruptions Continue Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

SEATTLE, Washington — Disgruntled travelers across the United States are experiencing significant disruptions this weekend as airlines cancel hundreds of flights due to ongoing air traffic controller staffing shortages amid a prolonged government shutdown.

From Friday through Sunday, over 1,700 flights have been canceled according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated a 4% reduction in domestic flights at 40 busy airports to maintain safety, as many air traffic controllers and federal security screeners work without pay and have begun calling in sick.

Even with these reductions, thousands of travelers are facing hour-long delays. “I just don’t want to be stranded at the airport sleeping on a bench,” said Michele Cuthbert from Columbus, Ohio, as she prepared for her trip to Dallas.

If the government shutdown is not resolved, airlines are expected to ramp up cancellations to 10% by next Friday. Former FAA Deputy Administrator Dan Elwell warned that the shutdown could disrupt holiday travel plans, pushing passengers into “uncharted territory.”

A recent FAA emergency order requires airlines to cut 4% of flights, contributing to over 800 cancellations on Friday alone, and that number increased throughout the day to over 1,000. On Saturday, around 1,500 flights were canceled, in addition to over 6,600 delays recorded on the flight tracking website FlightAware.

The cancellations are largely attributed to the staffing issues resulting from the government shutdown, alongside voluntary reductions by airlines. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that cuts could escalate to 15-20% if the deadlock in Congress continues.

American Airlines announced it would cut 220 flights through Monday, while United Airlines has also implemented a substantial number of staffing reductions. Southwest Airlines has canceled about 100 flights on Saturday and 150 on Sunday, while Delta Air Lines has also reported significant cancellations in its schedule.

Travelers have been advised to check their flight status proactively and consider purchasing travel insurance. Major airlines, including American, Delta, and Frontier, are waiving fees for passengers who wish to change their travel plans amid the disruptions.

Despite measures to alleviate staffing issues, air traffic control facilities nationwide reported being short-staffed 42 times on Saturday, and the stress on controllers is expected to worsen as they forego a second paycheck. Union representative Aaron Barker highlighted the personal impacts of the shutdown, stating that some workers have faced eviction or have been forced to find alternative housing solutions.

The shutdown’s ripple effects are felt at numerous major airports, including those serving the New York City area and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which reported over five hours of delays. The longer that the shutdown persists, the more dire the implications for air travel and associated services.

As the situation evolves, travelers are reminded to anticipate further delays and cancellations, especially as the holiday season approaches.